Thank A World War II Vet

WWII Veteran Joe Bell showed up dressed in full military uniform to show support for the runners and the race’s cause. The annual 8-kilometer race benefits the Pat Tillman Foundation, which invests in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships. Pat Tillman was a San Jose native that played for the NFL before he was tragically killed by friendly fire while serving the U. S. Army in Afghanistan.

In turn, one runner took a moment from the race to shake 95-year-old Bell’s hand, thanking him for his service. Other runners quickly followed, and a spontaneous, heartening sidewalk tribute took place.

The touching scene was captured by Julia Prodis Sulek of the San Jose Mercury News.

In 2008 my life changed when Barack Obama came into my front yard on a campaign stop. I asked him why he wanted to raise taxes, and he said that he wanted to “spread the wealth.” Since then, I have gained a national following as “Joe the Plumber” and now travel the country speaking and encouraging other everyday folks to get involved in the political process.